Mark's Custom 6-string Bass

[the_8_string_king]

Thanks, Mica, I sure appreciate your detailed response.
 
If I've understood you correctly, you've got a program for the machine to route for Europa/Rogue controls in an Essense-Europa configuration, and that would be no extra charge.
 
My preference, then, would be for one of two things.  The Essense-Europa configuration would be the default preference -if what I'm about to propose would either be extra $ and/or significantly increase production.
 
I wouldn't want to pay extra for bench time -to custom wire as it were; but... question... what if you followed the (diamond) pattern, but just placed the specific switches at your discretion...?
 
You see, I REALLY love the aesthetics of your mock-up... (you did a GREAT job with it, by the way).  However, 90% of the oodles (units of mental gratification) lie in the configuration, and only 10% in the specific order.
 
So, punch line here, if this diamond configuration were something that Alembic could easily do for no extra headache nor extra charge for me, I'd be psyched, and the minor lack of oodles for not getting my precise ideal configuration would be instantly forgotten as I'd still prefer the diamond shape (with the electronics in whatever configuration) twice as much as the Essense-Europa configuration -which I'd prefer twice as much as the standard configuration!
 
Bottom line: this is a MINOR detail... BUT...
 
If the cost/labor is equal/not extra, let's go for the Essense-Europa configuration...
 
UNLESS... the cost/labor -for the diamond configuration (specifics position of controls at Alembic's discretion) was equal/not extra -in which case THAT would be my preference (assuming it was all nice and symetrical).
 
That's it.  Minor detail.  You've got all you need to know what I want, and how feasible everything is.  I know I'll be extremely happy regardless, so I'm not going to bring this up again, either.  I won't be disappointed with whatever you come up with; the only question will be if I'm super-duper satisfied, or merely super-satisfied!
 
Thanks again, I appreciate the work you put into this, the detailed explaination and mockup made everything totally clear!

[the_8_string_king]

Oh, duh, and regarding the jack position...
 
I couldn't find a price difference on the quote generator... I seem to dimly recall/believe that it's 2 or 3 hundred retail extra for the side jack I'd prefer, so I think I'm just defaulting to the standard front jack, which is no biggie.
 
I'd pretty much defer to your recommendation regarding jack placement.  The only objections I'd have were if the jack were placed in a place that interfered with the controls or practical function -and I can't see you coming up with anything like that!

[the_8_string_king]

One more thing:
 
I've given this some thought, and come to the conclusion that IF the Diamond Formation control-configuration is something that Alembic can provide for me at no extra cost -and I'm only interested if (A) it DOESN'T cost extra; and (B) y'all do it PERFECTLY symmetrical- I'd prefer to flip it around, and have the 3 toggle switches be closer to the strings -instead of closer to the outer edge of the body.
 
Now, if Alembic CAN do this at no extra cost, it would be a nice bonus, and EITHER WAY would be preferred to the other options.  Maybe y'all were prepared to do it the original Diamond Formation way I requested, but it would be harder to flip it around for some reason (or maybe not).
 
Anyway, to update/clarify:
 
Here are the four options for my Europa electronics control configuration, in order of preference:
 
(1) Symmetric Diamond Formation -with the toggles closer to the strings;
 
(2) Symmetric Diamond Formation -with the toggles closer to the edge of the body;
 
(3) Essence/Europa-Style; and
 
(4) Standard Europa/Rogue Configuration
 
I prefer the side jack, but my understanding is this is extra -and I don't have the moolah to pay for it, and wouldn't ask you to lose any money giving it to me as a freebee if it does have an extra charge associated with it.
 
So if this is so, just mount it on the front at your discretion -wherever you think best.  I have full confidence in your judgement.
 
Thanks again for everything!  I can't wait to see it when it's set up... I know it'll look great with whatever configuration it ultimately has!!!

[mica]

At this point, we have to decide on the side jack. You've already paid for it because Europa electronics come with a side jack, so if you dn't want it, you can use the $ for the custom control layout. We can't glue up the body until the jack is decided, because the side jack takes a slightly thicker body (1.65 compared to 1.55).  
 
If we do a custom layout, you'll be approving the layout with a mock-up. You'll have to give me some direction, like a particular post number or a URL to a photo that has what you want or a piece of paper in the mail to get me started on the layout.  
 
But for now, I simply need to know: side or face mounted jack.

[the_8_string_king]

Ooh, that's great news... that the side jack isn't any extra $!!!
 
I prefer the side jack... and, if/since it doesn't cost extra, then it's a no-brainer!
 
I DEFINITELY WANT THE SIDE JACK!!!

[mica]

We need to get some visual references for your custom control layout. Or else we can just do the standard Europa layout. Let me know what you prefer.

[the_8_string_king]

As far as the control layout goes, you've ALREADY DONE the mockup -in your post above, with the red Essence (post 3936).
 
This is option (2) that I described above (my post -#471).
 
The mockup you've done seems to nail it perfectly -at least as far as I can tell.  You can use it as a reference.
 
Option (1) (above, same post -#471) consists of just switching (location of) the toggles with the pan/blend control -so the toggles are closer to the strings, and the pan/blend closer to the edge of the body.
 
But again, I don't want to pay for this... I just don't have the money.  I guess I could consider it if the charge was very little... more than a little, I'll have to pass.  (In which case, my preference would be to have the controls laid out like the layout you use when using Europa electronics on an Essence bass -like the Erratic Zebrawood and Burl Amboyna Essence basses we discussed earlier.)
 
It's no big deal, regardless.  I'll be VERY HAPPY with this bass with ANY of these layouts.  I'm already pleased as punch that there's no charge for the side jack... I wasn't sure, but I sorta thought there was... and I'm glad to be wrong!
 
I got the impression from you there WASN'T any extra charge to get the Essence/Europa layout -as you already have a program for this in the CNC machine.  Please confirm.  If so, then this should be the tentative layout plan.  If not, then we'll just default to the standard Europa/Rogue layout.  No biggie either way.
 
The Symmetrical Diamond formation/layout would just be a little bonus.  But it sounds like it's probably extra, so I'll probably write it off.
 
But I guess I'd be interested in a quote for it, just to cover the basses.  For clarification, I'm just asking for a quote on the PATTERN, NOT the LOCATION of individual controls.  You already made it clear there would be a minimum bench charge, for example, to put the Q switch BETWEEN the bass & treble toggles.  My primary interest in the Symmetrical Diamond formation is that the symmetry of the pattern is pleasing to my eye; customized/specific control locations WITHIN THAT PATTERN is a secondary interest.

[the_8_string_king]

So the plan, in short, is to have a side jack, with the control layout that is standard when Europa controls are installed in/on an Essense body.  For visual reference, you can refer to the Erratic Zebrawood Essense you linked about (or the Amboyna Essense -but that has an extra toggle).
 
This is based on the understanding that there is NO EXTRA CHARGE to have this layout.
 
I'm 100% CERTAIN I want the side jack, and 98% certain I want the Essense/Europa setup.
 
The 2% difference is due to the fact that I'd prefer the Diamond setup... but I'm probably not able/willing to pay the cost.
 
Please (A) confirm that the Essense/Europa layout isn't extra; and (B) give me a quote for the cost of the Diamond setup -at which point I can be 100% sure... and then there won't be ANY other issues at my end other than the minor issue of 3 vs 5 screws on the tailpiece.
 
Thanks, Mica!

[the_8_string_king]

Since I've settled on my electronics package -Signature electronics with Q switches upgraded to 3-position & a single pair of master bass & treble controls- I'm posting my control layout preferences in this thread -where they belong (more than in the other thread... or at least as much.
 
First of all, I'll be easy to please.  The second and third options you offered Shim (see his control layout thread) are all adequate).  But I'll start with my #1 ideal configuration.  Copied from other threads, here it is:
 
..........NECK...............BASS  
..........FILT................CONT  
..........KNOB...............KNOB  
.................................  
.......................N..........  
.......................Q..........  
.................................  
......MAST.......................BLEN  
......VOLU.........LED.........CONT  
......KNOB.......................KNOB  
.................................  
.......................B..........  
.......................Q..........  
.................................  
..........BRID...............TREB  
..........FILT................CONT  
..........KNOB..............KNOB  
 
Obviously, the LED switch should be disregarded, as my bass doesn't have LEDs.  The setup is similar to my 8-String: two rows of three knobs, with the center knobs in each row slightly farther away from each other, and the Q switches centered in the area/space between the center 2 knobs, and the pairs on either side.
 
The row of (neck) filter, volume, (bridge) filter would be closest to the strings, while the (other) row of bass, blend, treble (the 3 knobs with center dentents) would be closer to the edge of the body.
 
Being symmetrical/even/non-irregular is important -whether this configuration is selected, or another is selected.
 
Now this is my ideal, but -as I said- some of the other ones you offered Shim are fine.  For clarification, my next most desired configuration would be what you posted in your post 4038 in his control layout thread; my third most desired configuration would be in your post 4044 (same thread) WITH THE MINOR MODIFICATION of REPOSITIONING THE 2 q SWITCHES TO HAVE THEM CENTERED BETWEEN THE CENTER PAIR OF KNOBS AND THE OUTER PAIRS TO EITHER SIDE.
 
All three of these choices are very similar, of course.  I'm much less fond of the first option you offered him (your post 4032) and in your posts 4108 and 4110.  I don't like these.
 
So, these are my 3 preferred choices -in order of preference.  Hopefully at least one of them will work.  As long as any of them will, cool!  If not, please get back to me when convenient and communicate the challenge/issue.
 
It looks to me like the jack shouldn't be a problem in any case.  Ideally, I'd prefer for it to be outside the perimeter of the knobs.
 
Oh yeah, something I was thinking about asking for was to have (just) the two center knobs (volume & blend) be the older/larger style knobs.  I'd love to see a mockup at your convenience when it's close to time.  I envision it as looking cool in my head... but maybe in reality it would look goofy!
 
Thanks, Mica!

[the_8_string_king]

Hey Mica, upon further consideration I will NOT be considering asking you for the two old style knobs for the two middle knobs.
 
I realized, upon thinking about it, that it would impose an extra and unnecessary challenge for whoever drills the holes for the electronics; I'm already asking for a symmetrical layout; and having to consider the additional factor of the differing radius' of the different knobs... it's too much.  I'll just keep it simple, and ask for all six of my knobs to be the same type, the standard knobs you use currently.
 
Thanks again, Mark

[mica]

So is this sort of what you had in mind?

(apply your labels from post 693)
If the orientation is right for you, I will make an exact layout for drilling, since your bass is ready to drill.

[the_8_string_king]

Yes, ma'am, that's EXACTLY what I had in mind!!!
 
Thanks, it looks absolutely AWESOME!!!
 
Now please excuse me, I need to go wipe up some drool...

[mica]

Ready to do the drilling. Here's the knobs in position before we do the deed:
 

 
This is slightly revised from the rough draft above. Give me the go ahead and we will drill away.

[the_8_string_king]

It looks pretty good, essentially just what I'd like... and it even looks a little better than the previous version, with the jack being in-line with the Q switches... I prefer the aesthetics of this version.
 
There's just one thing... maybe it's just the picture here... but the Q switches -at least the bridge pickup Q switch- don't seem centered.  The bridge pickup Q switch appears to be closer to the bridge filter than to the (should be) treble knob below it.
 
Again, maybe it's just this picture... I realize that this is a mockup, and that you've just taped on the stuff.
 
I just want to emphasize that I'd like it to be as symmetrical as possible, so I'd like each of the Q switches to be centered between the two inner knobs (volume and balance) and the outer knobs on either side, so that they're the same distance from either of the outer knobs, and the same distance from either of the inner knobs.
 
(Obviously, since I've request the inner knobs be a little farther from each other, the Q switches will necessarily be farther from the two inner knobs than from the 2 knobs on either side.)
 
So that's it!  It looks great, and even better than the previous mockup -because of the new jack location.  I kind of disliked the old jack position a little, but it was a minor snivel, and I just didn't want to ask you to move it as it might be a hassle.  But since you came up with this new mockup, I gotta tell you I like it better, and it'll be 100% perfect as long as the layout is symmetrical.
 
So thanks for the mockup, and please proceed with my blessing.  I'll call tomorrow to go over shipping and to see if you have the red shirt or an acceptable substitute.
 
Thanks again for everything, the bass looks absolutely stunningly gorgeous!!!

[mica]

I am happier with the jack in line too, but the jack wasn't something you were concerned with historically, so I didn't fret over it much on my Aug 28th post.  
 
It must be the angle or some lens distortion, 'cause it looks completely symmetrical to me in person. James did the layout with careful measuring, so I'm sure you'll be pleased with the symmetry.